In every corner of Minnesota, there are good stories waiting to be told of places that make our state great and people who, in Walt Whitman’s words, “contribute a verse” each day. That's the theme of our series, “Wander & Wonder: Exploring Minnesota’s unexpected places.”
The arrival of August in Minnesota means attention starts to turn toward the State Fair, the upcoming football season — and classes resuming at hundreds of schools across the state.
In some communities, the kids are long gone but the old school buildings still stand, holding on as local landmarks and links to the past.
The former Teien Central School in Kittson County in far northwestern Minnesota was built in 1904 and held classes until 1954. It later served as the town hall. Its original cupola, complete with the school bell, now rests on the ground in front of the building.
Andrew Krueger | MPR News
Picking up from an initial collection of “old school” photos posted last summer, here’s another batch of images of former school buildings still standing — in some cases just barely — in communities across Minnesota.
If you have any stories or more photos to share about any of these schools, send an email to akrueger@mpr.org.
And remember: if you go out wandering and wondering on your own to any old schools or other buildings around the region, keep in mind that most are on private property and many may not be safe to enter.
The former school building in Bigelow, just north of the Iowa border in southwestern Minnesota, housed several schools including Faith Christian High School, which closed in 2002, and the Worthington Area Language Academy charter school.
Andrew Krueger | MPR News
The former public school building in Hanska, Minn.
Andrew Krueger | MPR News
In western Minnesota, the Norcross School in Norcross dates back to 1938. The art deco-style building was a project of the federal Works Progress Administration. Classes were held here until the district consolidated with the school district in Herman in the 1970s.
Andrew Krueger | MPR News
In northern Minnesota, the former school building in the Koochiching County town of Silverdale has seen better days.
Andrew Krueger | MPR News
In central Minnesota, the Hewitt Public School in Hewitt. The concrete building is notable for its many and varied windows.
Andrew Krueger | MPR News
In far northwestern Minnesota, the former Teien Central School in Kittson County. The two-story school was built in 1904, and it held classes until 1954.
Andrew Krueger | MPR News
The former school building in Bigelow, Minn., a town south of Worthington and just north of the Iowa border.
Andrew Krueger | MPR News
The Norcross School in Grant County, Minn., dates back to 1938. The art deco-style building was a project of the federal Works Progress Administration.
Andrew Krueger | MPR News
The front entrance to the former school building at Silverdale in Koochiching County. It's located about 15 miles west-southwest of Orr in northern Minnesota.
